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Welcome to the Practical Minimalists. We host a podcast where we discuss intentional living and what it means to have freedom with less. We are also a community, so feel free to connect with us on social media! Wishing you peace, wonder, and joy....and the freedom that comes with less.

Aug 22 5 Simple Steps for Less Consumption

Thank to all you listeners who tuned in to Thursday's Episode with Cody Lillstrom on Recycling, mindful consumption, and minimalism! Whether you are a seasoned recycler or new to reducing your environmental footprint, we hope you put your earbuds up with a few take-a-ways. Here are 5 small things you can start doing today to consume less and implement mindful consumption. Missed the episode? No worries. You can catch it here or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

1. Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

You've likely heard this slogan before, but it's not just a catchy slogan. The action steps are listed in order of importance and impact. Reduce is listed first and is the MOST important? You don't really have to do anything in order to reduce. By simply reducing the amount of things you buy whether it's clothes, fast food or home goods, you are making a positive impact.

2. Eat Out Less

You may hear this one a lot as a means to save money. But did you know that Americans on average waste 40% of their food when going out to eat? That's not even counting the plastic utensils, paper products, and disposable dinnerware we tend to use when eating out (especially at fast food places). Are we telling you never to eat out again? Of course not. Eating out is fun and food is one of the oldest human bonding experiences and traditions of all time. We're just suggesting reducing the frequency of eating out and when you do make it special.

3. Do I really need that?

When you get the urge to buy a new outfit or purchase those new skis....ask yourself, do I REALLY need this? If the answers is yes, then try getting it second hand and giving that items a whole new life cycle.

4. Reduce Food Waste

Aside from limited the number of times you are hitting the golden arches, there are more ways to reduce food waste. A lot of people think food is not waste, but the way in which it breaks down harms our environment and ecosystem. To learn more about this process and how you can work to reduce your food waste, visit www.savethefood.com

5. Dispose of your plastic bags properly

It's not cool to throw your plastic shopping bags in the recycling bin. Those bags can actually gum the recycling machines causing damage to the recycling machinery and downtime. Most grocery stores offer a place where you can dispose of your plastic bags. Better yet bring your own reusable bags with you to the store.